Indonesia applauds lifting of FIFA ban

JAKARTA: Indonesia on Saturday welcomed FIFA’s decision to end the country’s year-long ban from world football over government interference, saying it hoped for more transparency in the sport.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced on Friday that Indonesia had been reinstated after Jakarta sent a letter notifying that it had lifted sanctions on national football body, the PSSI.

Indonesia has been without a national football competition for the better part of a year, after a feud between the PSSI and its sports ministry saw the top-grade tournament suspended.

“We hope the lifting of the ban will push the nation to improve its national football, especially in regards to revamping its organizational management, increasing transparency, accountability and enhancing a more harmonious relationship with the various stakeholders,” Indonesia’s sports ministry said in a statement.

It suggested that FIFA’s decision was the result of the “good relationship” that has developed between Indonesia and football’s world governing body since Infantino took charge.